The Announcement and Recall of a Nationwide Autism Registry: Safeguarding Your Privacy and Rights in a Time of Uncertainty
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, recent announcements from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding a proposed nationwide registry for individuals diagnosed with autism have ignited conversations across communities. If you or your child have been diagnosed with autism, or if you are considering an autism evaluation, you likely have some concerns about what a national registry might mean for you. The announcement of such a registry, even if later retracted, can understandably leave people feeling concerned that the matter is not settled and that more changes could be coming. Let’s explore the implications of this registry, the anxieties it may provoke, and the importance of seeking evaluations for autism.